Then there was a Powder Monkey and a Coxswain, and other naval officers, who were generally famous for what used to be called demerits.
The members of the class to whom parts were assigned were called "digs" and marched in the procession, each with a spade on his shoulder, the first scholar, who in our class was Child, as the "dig of digs," having a spade of huge dimensions.
I believe James Russell Lowell was the Lord High Admiral in his class.

The Rear Admiral in mine was borne about on a couch or litter, supported by four men, having another one marching by his side to carry his pipe, which he was supposed to be too lazy to put into his mouth or take out of his mouth himself.

The procession had banners bearing various devices and went around to take leave of the President and the different professors, giving them cheers at their houses.

President Everett, who was a serious-minded person, was much offended by the whole proceeding.

He sent for some members of the class and remonstrated; told them he had been obliged to apologize to his English servant-girl for such an exhibition.